Strategic new partnership with SecureMisr to bolster FIS move to enter new markets and increase market share

Adding strength to the undertaking is the appointment of prominent security expert, Dr. Sherif El Kassas, as Chief Technology Officer (CTO) for the joint venture.

Dr. El Kassas will lead a team of highly skilled and well trained information security professionals, which has been created to help address the region's growing demand for Arabic speaking technical experts. The alliance is being seen to complement the FIS vision of forming the largest information security services company in the MENA region.

The partnership reflects efforts being made by FIS to assemble a strong team of information security experts responsible for achieving the vision of bringing world-class in-depth information security assurance and leadership across the MENA region. The move is expected to position FIS as a leader in the region's information security segment. The decision to finally forge a partnership agreement is a result of several successful projects that both parties collaborated on over the last few years, which has also produced good customer feedback. Dr. El Kassas, a professor from the American University in Cairo (AUC) who is also widely known for his participation in shaping government policy and regulatory environment for security within Egypt, will take the lead in the move to address the security requirements presented by local businesses.

"This strategic new partnership with SecureMIsr demonstrates our continuing efforts to provide the region with world class fully efficient security services and products" said Dr. Taher Elgamal, Ph.D., CEO, FIS. "Working closely with SecureMisr will now allow us the opportunity to reach out to a wider and larger potential market as we will now be fronted by a strong Arab speaking technical team that is fully proficient at what they do—leaving our customers with the feeling of confidence and security for their operations."

Industry experts have shared that the partnership prove to be both timely and very advantageous as both companies strongly complement each others objectives--whereas FIS can provide the segment with a wide range of security solutions while SecureMisr provides security consulting services. The new alliance is expected to reach out across the GCC and key parts of North Africa, covering verticals like government, financial sector, telecom, oil and gas and the healthcare segment. Aside from its efforts to tap into newer markets and gain more share of the market, FIS senior executives have also revealed that other objectives for this partnership include the move to enhance brand strength and reputation, key in a reduced operation and overhead cost and gain more access to newer technologies in the information security services segment.

"The partnership with FIS signals a new era for the MENA region's information security segment. Key industry verticals such as government, financial sector, energy, and others to gain from this strategic alliance as information security has become a key concern among these businesses. We look forward to the fruits of this partnership, which can spell a large difference in how businesses will operate in the region," concluded Dr. El Kassas.